Night slowly fell.
A bright crescent moon mirrored itself on the inky lake, and the densely scattered stars glittered across the sky, adding a quiet depth to the stillness.
A campfire crackled before the tent, flames dancing as the smell of grilled fish drifted through the air.
"Are you still going to keep fishing?"
Levy poked the embers with a stick. Her blue hair was tied into a high ponytail, and her pale, bootless feet swayed lightly at the lake's edge.
It was already his sixteenth fish.
Ever since that kiss, Aurel had sat quietly by the lakeshore, fishing without so much as a glance her way.
And she'd even gone to the trouble of striking so many tempting poses.
"Mm…"
Thinking of this, Levy puffed out her cheeks in a huff. Her jade-white toes skimmed the calm surface now and then, scattering silver droplets.
Fine. Keep fishing, then!
"Almost done…"
Watching the quest progress on his system panel, Aurel sounded a little weary too.
The first eleven had been easy; who'd have thought the final species would stall him for half an hour?
Little Dora gnawed leisurely on grilled fish nearby, its bell tinkling cheerfully as it swayed.
—
Just then, a huge pull ran up the line. Aurel braced and hauled back with some effort.
It was night; the vast magic power in his body had already dispersed, and even his strength had dropped back to what it was before he crossed worlds.
When's the next template arriving?
He reeled in hard, thinking as he worked.
Ripples ringed out across the lake. A black, hulking shape burst from the water and thudded onto the shore.
"Annah fish. The meat's dry and the taste is bad—almost nobody likes it."
Levy propped her chin on one hand, stifling a yawn as she explained, tears of drowsiness glimmering at the corners of her eyes.
She was clearly worn out from waiting.
"Good work, Levy-chan."
Seeing the quest complete, Aurel tossed the fish back into the water with satisfaction and sat down beside her.
Levy-chan?
"I'm a year older than you—you should call me onee-san!"
Levy rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, content—yet at the affectionate nickname, she lifted her head to correct him.
"If you want to hear it that badly, I can call you Levy-nee."
Aurel handed her a perfectly seasoned skewer, voice gentle.
"…Let's not."
For some reason, Mirajane-nee popped into her head.
Shaking it off, Levy took a small bite. The unfamiliar seasoning made her blink in surprise.
Better than expected.
While she savored the fish, a warm cup of strawberry milk appeared in front of her.
"Thank you!"
Such thoughtful care made her eyes curve with a sweet smile.
"Do-ra, do-ra."
Stuffed to the brim, little Dora rubbed its rounded belly, waved at them, and then lazily crawled into the backpack.
"It's saying it's turning in first."
Even without Aurel translating, Levy could read that much from the simple gesture.
Tick—
Raindrops tapped the lake with crisp little notes as a cool night breeze, heavy with moisture, brushed Levy's cheek.
"Eh, it's raining again?"
She blinked up at the sky.
The once serene vault was now smothered by black clouds, and faint lances of lightning flickered within the rolling dark.
"Looks like it's going to come down hard. We should rest too."
Aurel snapped his fingers. From the shadows all around, a handful of ninjas stepped forth and swiftly began packing up.
Two stayed behind to watch the bags.
—No way I'm letting little Dora ruin my plans tonight.
"Whoa!"
Levy jumped at their sudden appearance, then remembered these were all part of her boyfriend's magic and let out a breath.
Still—when Aurel took her hand and led her toward the tent, she drew in a deep breath without thinking.
Is it happening!?
She might've been the one to suggest it, but now that the moment was here, nerves still fluttered in her chest.
…
Inside the tent.
It was likely meant for a single person, so space was tight; fortunately, Levy's small frame kept things from feeling cramped.
Aurel sat cross-legged on the soft mat, propping his chin in his hand as he stared, unblinking, at the girl reading beside him.
"W-why are you looking at me like that?"
Levy covered her mouth with the book, leaving only her eyes showing. Her tone was a little shaky.
"I'm curious. Are you actually reading?"
"O-of course I am!"
Aurel pointed helpfully at the cover. "You're holding it upside down."
"…I'm just a little nervous."
Realizing her ploy was spotted, she lowered the book and turned her face aside, voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz.
Nervous, huh…
Under her anxious gaze, Aurel drew her petite, lovely body into his arms and gently rubbed her tummy.
At that sweet, lover-close distance, Levy's breath hitched. She half-closed her eyes—tense, but also expectant for what might come next.
A minute passed. Nothing happened.
Levy opened her eyes, puzzled, and tilted her head toward him.
"Aren't you… going to continue?"
She forced the shyness from her voice to ask.
"Continue? Continue what?"
Watching her adorable reactions, Aurel's lips quirked as he feigned innocence.
"…"
On purpose. He's doing this on purpose!
Spotting the smile at the corner of his mouth, Levy's patience snapped. She pivoted, straddled his lap, and hooked her hands behind his neck.
"I thought you wouldn't take the lead."
"Baka. How can you leave this to a girl—"
He didn't let her finish. Hands steady at her supple waist, Aurel naturally found her moist lips with his.
Soft. Sweet.
Something warm unfurled through the little tent. One of his hands brushed over her flat, warm belly, fingertips savoring the smoothness as they slowly drifted lower.
"N-no—wait, not here at least!"
Levy's breathing turned fast and messy. As that touch slid downward, clarity returned to her hazy gaze; her voice trembled.
"At the inn…"
"Relax. I'm not doing that here," Aurel soothed, thumb caressing her heated cheek. "Do you want to… have a preview?"
A… preview?
Levy's fuzzy mind left her adorably blank, but his promise calmed her, and she nodded yes as relief and curiosity mingled.
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome]
[Thank You For Your Support!]